Orange Free State

The Orange Free State was established in 1854 by Afrikaans settlers in what later became South Africa, and was conquered by the British (and later made part of South Africa) in 1902. The anthem was written by two Dutchmen in 1865 and was first performed August 23, 1866 at the Republic’s 12th anniversary celebrations.

Special thanks to: Pavel Zinovatny for some of this information and for the music file and Jo Hyo-roe for the sheet music.

1. Strike up the song of freedom, burghers,
And sing to our nation’s life!
Free of foreign ties,
Holds our small community,
Basing on order, law and justice,
A rank amongst the states
A rank amongst the states

2. Our country has a modest start,
But we bravely set about the future,
The eyes turned towards God,
Who won’t refuse him who builds on Him,
Placing his trust in Him like in a castle
That won’t yield to any storm.
That won’t yield to any storm.

3. Look down in grace and love
To our president, O Lord!
Be Thou his refuge!
The task that lies on his shoulders,
May he perform it faithfully and with pleasure
For welfare of people and state.
For welfare of people and state.

4. Protect, O God, the country’s council,
Lead it with Thy fatherly hand,
Inspire it from up above,
So its deeds may be hallowed
And may it serve country and citizens
For their benefit.
For their benefit.

5. Hail, three times hail to the dear state,
To people, president, and council!
So thrive after our singing
The Free State and its citizens,
Greatly virtuous, free of slurs,
Another many centuries!
Another many centuries!